L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurates 2 km-long Mahey Tokpo-Raldho irrigation canal At altitude of over 14,000 feet.

L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurates 2 km-long Mahey Tokpo-Raldho irrigation canal At altitude of over 14,000 feet, the canal constructed in record time L-G launches plantation of 15,000 trees along with villagers in Canal’s surroundings.
L-G says irrigation canal will address water shortage challenge in Changthang and ensure water security for irrigation purposes
Nyoma, May 14: On his first-ever visit to Changthang district, Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, yesterday inaugurated a 2.10 km long irrigation canal from Mahey Tokpo to Raldho, a major project that would strengthen the rural infrastructure and ensure water security and agricultural sustainability in this remote area.
Built at a high altitude of over 14,000 feet, this irrigation canal is a remarkable engineering marvel. Started in the year 2022-23, only 1250 meters of the canal were completed till March 2026, and the work was stuck. After Shri Saxena took over as the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh on March 13, he reviewed the progress of the works of this canal in the very first review meeting of ongoing projects. Having noted that the work was stuck due to administrative hurdles, he directed the concerned officials to expedite the work and complete it in a time-bound manner.
Since then, the works resumed at an unprecedented pace, and the remaining 850-meter construction work, which is more than one-third of the total length of the canal, was constructed in just two months. The canal is 2.10 km long and has a width and depth of 2 feet each.
Before the execution of this canal, farmers in the region faced difficulties due to inadequate and unreliable irrigation arrangements, especially during peak cultivation periods. However, the Mahe canal, which receives water from the nearby Yaya Lake, would now provide a systematic and reliable irrigation facility for agricultural cultivation in the Mahey area and would cater to a command area of nearly 100 acres in the high-altitude region.
A plantation drive for planting 15,000 trees, organised by Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, was also carried out in the presence of LG, Shri Saxena. The plantation drive aims at contributing towards soil conservation, slope stabilisation, improvement of local green cover and long-term ecological sustainability.
“The Mahey irrigation canal, as indeed the mass plantation drive with support of the locals, would immensely benefit the people of Changthang, where agriculture and allied activities are heavily dependent on seasonal glacier melt and traditional irrigation systems. This project marks a major step towards enhancing irrigation infrastructure, increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening the livelihoods of local farmers and pastoral communities in the remote Changthang region,” Shri Saxena said.
Shri Saxena lauded the Irrigation and Flood Control Department’s committed efforts in executing the project at a record pace. “Executing a project of such great importance in extremely challenging conditions is never easy. The officials have done a commendable job by completing the project with utmost dedication and commitment,” Shri Saxena said.
The Mahey canal, built 200 feet above the road along the mountains, has been constructed with PCC lining and breast wall works to ensure its protection, stability and durability. The infrastructure has been developed taking into account the challenging terrain and climatic conditions of Changthang, to ensure efficient and reliable water supply for years to come.